WineMasters Class
WineMasters class is a complete wine course that is ranked above WSET level 3 for all wine students, professionals and food & wine enthusiasts.
Your teachers are world-famous Masters of Wine and Champion Sommeliers.
The 48 episodes cover all wine regions, 96 food & wine pairings, 48 wine technicalities, and 96 blind tastings. This complete masterclass will help you obtain your (WSET) Wine and Sommelier certificates.
Your Teachers
🍷 Masters of Wine & Award-winning Sommeliers 🏆
Marc Almert
Best Sommelier of the World 2019
Christy Canterbury MW
Master of Wine
Andreas Larsson
Best Sommelier of the World 2007
Peter Richards MW
Master of Wine
Paz Levinson
Best Sommelier of the Americas 2015
Susie Barrie MW
Master of Wine
Fredrik Lindfors
Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2017
Sarah Heller MW
Master of Wine
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WineMasters Class I
Episodes 1 – 6
Austrian Whites, California, Western Loire Valley, Southern Rhône Valley, Tuscany & German Burgunders.
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Christy Canterbury MW
• Andreas Larsson, World's Best Sommelier 2007
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WineMasters Class
Austrian Whites EP:1/48
Austria makes some of the greatest dry white wines on the planet, both in terms of value and overall quality. The Danube River going through the north-eastern part of the country provides ideal conditions for the rock star white grape varieties Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. You will learn to train your palate and all about the Austrian wine regulations, one of the strictest wine laws in the world and be surprised about two wine and food pairings.
WineMasters Class
California EP:2/48
Although California is quite a young wine-growing area comprising most of the European wine regions, it has a lot of history. You will learn about the ups and downs in the region, including the Judgement of Paris which has put California wines on the map. Learn about the bold Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa and Chardonnay from Sonoma and Zinfandel from the Sierra Foothills.
The experiment will explain how wine is made from grapes.
WineMasters Class
Western Loire Valley EP:3/48
The Loire Valley is most famous for its castles along the longest river of France, but it is also a very diverse wine region. In this episode we focus on the western part of the Valley, discussing the wine regions of Touraine, Anjou-Saumur and Nantais. Sur Lie, a wine term that can be found on the label of Muscadet wines, will be explained in our experiment.
WineMasters Class
Southern Rhône Valley EP:4/48
From the friendly and easy-drinking Côte du Rhône to the prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we will be rolling through the terroirs of the Southern Rhône Valley, discussing red and white wines made of a wide variety of grapes. The influence of oak aging will be discussed in our experiment and of course how you can detect these influences in the wine.
WineMasters Class
Tuscany EP:5/48
Tuscany is one of the oldest wine regions in Europe and is mostly known for Chianti. This episode will explain to you all about the Sangiovese grape and different wines made from this variety. In the experiment we will focus on tannins, what are tannins and how can you detect them?
WineMasters Class
German Burgunders - Pinots EP:6/48
It is not only in Burgundy where the Pinot family thrives, in Germany the grape varieties are very popular and are called Burgunder here. You will learn about Spätburgunder, Weissburgunder, and Grauburgunder for Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris respectively. The experiment will demonstrate that there is much to tell by just looking at the wine.
WineMasters Class II
Episodes 7 – 12:
Eastern Loire Valley, Campania, Alsace, Spanish Old Vines, Argentina, Southern Portugal & Madeira.
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Peter Richards MW
• Paz Levinson, Best Sommelier of the Americas 2015
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WineMasters Class
Eastern Loire Valley EP:7/48
This eastern segment of the Loire Valley is the reputed birthplace of Sauvignon Blanc and it is here where you can find the two most famous appellations of the Loire; Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. We will explain one of the fundamental traits in wine; acidity, which we will explain more in detail in our experiment. Besides Sauvignon Blanc we will also speak about Pinot Noir and other appellations like Menetou-Salon, Reuilly and Quincy.
WineMasters Class
Campania EP:8/48
The fame of this land was well described by the Romans, they knew the region as Campania Felix, which translates into English as "land of bounty and joy". Its fame as a great wine-producing region faded with the collapse of the Roman Empire. But today, Campania counts some of the highest densities of DOCs and DOCGs (quality wine areas) within Italy. Campania is thriving with re-planted ancient varieties that once grew on these lands some 2,000 years ago and were buried under volcanic ash and pumice in 79 A.D. We will explain the wine term oxidation in our experiment.
WineMasters Class
Alsace EP:9/48
The Alsace area is known for its aromatic, fruity intense, and spicy white wines, primarily from Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat which are the 4 noble grapes varieties.
Alsace wines tend to be dry, but these days wines can be more diverse in styles including some residual sweetness but that is not often indicated on the label, so that can make challenging for us drinkers. We will help you understand the wines more in detail. We will also highlight the Alsace sweet wines; Vendange Tardive and Selection de Grains Nobles.
The term vintage will be explained and what is needed to create great wines.
WineMasters Class
Spanish Old Vines EP:10/48
The future of Spanish wine lies in its history. Ambitious winemakers are heading off to the hinterlands in search of old vines. We visit Toro where red wines are made from Tinta de Toro (a local version of Tempranillo) are making fame. Then to Bierzo where between the hills and lush river valleys red wine is made of the Mencia variety. We also visit Jumilla in the south of the country near Valencia, where red wines are made from old Monastrell vines. And last but not least our journey ends at Tenerife, where some of the oldest vines of Spain can be found.
WineMasters Class
Argentina EP:11/48
Altitude is key in Argentina. Except for the Patagonia region, most vineyards in Argentina are situated at 600 to 2000 meters above sea level and located close to the Andes mountains.
Of course, we will highlight the most famous wine area Mendoza and the Malbec grape, which was brought from France around 1850 and has adapted greatly to the terroirs of this country. In our experiment, we sniff and swirl. We explain why some wines need to breathe.
WineMasters Class
Southern Portugal & Madeira EP:12/48
We start this episode on a unique island in the Atlantic Ocean, which gives its name to one of the world's great fortified wines; Madeira. The 4 styles of the quality spectrum get their names from the white wine grape used in them: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey aka Malvasia, and in this order, they range from dry to sweet. On the mainland, we visit unique appellations near the capital city of Lisbon and then on to a huge rural wine region known as Alentejo, where white and red wine are blends of local and international grape varieties.
WineMasters Class III
Episodes 13 – 18:
Provence, Galicia, New Zealand, Veneto, Bordeaux Right Bank, Austrian Red Wines
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Susie Barrie MW
• Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier of the World 2007
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Provence EP:13/48
This southern French region is famous for rosé wine. Most are blends and include grapes like Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan, and Mourvèdre, among others. In our experiment, we’ll explain different methods to create a rosé wine. We’ll also highlight two unique appellations in the Provence; Bandol and Cassis, which produce red and white wine respectively.
WineMasters Class
Galicia EP:14/48
Located in the northwest corner of Spain, the green vineyards of Galicia are dominated by many local white grape varieties, of which the Albariño grape is the best-known. But the area also boasts a wide selection of red grapes that have been increasing in both production and prestige in recent years. In our experiment, we’ll explain how winemakers ‘clarify’ their wines.
WineMasters Class
New Zealand EP:15/48
Sauvignon Blanc dominates New Zealand's wine industry. Although Sauvignon Blanc is planted all over the country, Marlborough is almost synonymous with New Zealand wine. Another French grape that performs well in many places is Pinot Noir. Depending on their location both grapes can express diverse aromas, which you can learn to understand by perfecting your sniffing skills.
WineMasters Class
Veneto EP:16/48
Veneto has a rich history of winemaking traditions of which one is drying grapes. This method is called appassimento and is used to make Amarone. We’ll explain the process in our experiment. The vineyards around the city of Verona and Lake Garda are home to some of Italy’s top wine-producing regions like Valpolicella, Soave, and Lugana, which produce wines from local varieties.
WineMasters Class
Bordeaux Right Bank EP:17/48
Bordeaux is the most famous wine region in the world and wines are usually a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Bordeaux is split into the Left and Right Bank, today we’ll discuss the latter including the appellations of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, which produce some of the most expensive wines on the planet. In our experiment, we’ll discuss different types of wine glasses.
WineMasters Class
Austrian Red Wines EP:18/48
Austria’s red wines could be considered one of Europe’s unknown viticultural gems. At first glance, their names might appear unfamiliar and largely unpronounceable. But grapes such as Blaufränkisch, Zweigelt, and Sankt Laurent, are definitely worthy of your attention. Our experiment is another session of do-it-yourself palate training.
WineMasters Class IV
Episodes 19 – 24:
Chile, Sherry/Andalusia, The Diversity of Italy, German Riesling, Bordeaux Left Bank, Champagne.
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Peter Richards MW
• Fredrik Lindfors, Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2017
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Chile EP:19/48
Chile is considered a ‘New World’ wine country, but it has a long winemaking history, the very first grapevines date back to the 1500s. Later, French grapes were introduced which now produce some of the greatest wines in the world. The unique geographical situation of Chile creates ideal microclimates for grape growing. In our experiment, we discuss different types of bottle closures.
WineMasters Class
Sherry • Andalusia EP:20/48
Sherry is one of the most historic wines in the world. As sherry comes in so many styles, which we’ll all discuss from light and dry to rich and sticky sweet, there is always a suitable sherry wine to pair with your dish, whatever it is. We’ll demonstrate the famous and unique aging system, called Solera, in our experiment.
WineMasters Class
The Diversity of Italy EP:21/48
Italy is home to a huge number of indigenous grape varieties, estimated between 400-2000. We’re going to take you from the north Trentino-Alto Adige to the midlands of Umbria, Marche, and Abruzzo and ending in the heel of Italy: Puglia, to discuss the wines made from some of the better and also less known native grape varieties. And in our experiment, we’ll explain the wine term extraction.
WineMasters Class
German Riesling EP:22/48
Along the Mosel and the Rhine, we find Germany’s most celebrated grape variety: Riesling. Riesling is an aromatic grape with naturally high acidity that can produce very different styles of wine. We’ll explain the German Wine Law and classifications, plus other wine terms to help you reading and understanding wine labels. In our experiment, it’s about the balance of sugar and acidity in wine.
Hosts of this episode are:
WineMasters Class
Bordeaux Left Bank EP:23/48
The Bordeaux Left Bank lies close to the Atlantic Ocean and along the Gironde river. Vineyards receive more rainfall and soils are gravellier than the Right Bank. Cabernet Sauvignon is dominant as it benefits from the warm gravels and drainage to ripen fully. The finest wines were listed in the classification of 1855 which we’ll discuss, and in our experiment, we’ll talk about aging ability.
WineMasters Class
Champagne EP:24/48
We’ll be diving into the world’s most famous sparkling wine: Champagne, made from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir and Meunier. The magic of Champagne – its bubbles – was originally considered an undesirable fault. But it’s the result of natural fermentation, or re-fermentation, as yeasts transform grape sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which we’ll demonstrate in our experiment.
WineMasters Class V
Episodes 25 – 30:
Old Old World, The Northern Rhône, The Northern Portugal, Rioja & Sweet Wines
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Susie Barrie MW
• Fredrik Lindfors, Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2017
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WineMasters Class
Old Old World EP:25/48
The story of winemaking is very old. Research is still ongoing but the Caucasus and Near East seem to be the cradle of winemaking, trading, and culture. We can’t drink these old wines anymore, but some of these countries still produce wine in a very traditional way. We visit Georgia, Armenia, Lebanon, and Greece, where we’ll guide you through the history of wine and explain the different methods of winemaking.
WineMasters Class
The Northern Rhone EP:26/48
In the Northern Rhône, it’s all about Syrah. Hermitage is the most famous appellation and produces one of France’s most valued wines. Perfumed and sumptuous white wines made from Viognier can be found in the appellation of Condrieu, while other white wines in the region are made from Roussanne and Marsanne. In our experiment, we’ll teach tricks on how to detect aromas in alcoholic beverages.
WineMasters Class
The Northern Portugal EP:27/48
The northern part of Portugal is most famous for its fortified wine Port, and we’ll explain the making of the different styles of Ruby and Tawny Port in our experiment. Portugal is a treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties. We’ll visit Vinho Verde, the Douro and Dão, where a new generation of winemakers is using these grapes to create authentic quality still and dry wines which are age-worthy too.
WineMasters Class
Rioja EP:28/48
Rioja’s vineyards are situated along the Ebro River and Tempranillo is the most important grape variety. But Rioja wines come in so many different styles, both varietal and blends, that no two Riojas are ever the same. Mazuelo, Graciano and Garnacha are other red grape varieties we will highlight.
In our experiment, we explain how altitude and exposure affect the grapes.
WineMasters Class
Sweet Wines EP:29/48
Sweet wines can be made in several ways and we will discuss the different methods used to make sweet wines. The real challenge for winemakers is to always create the perfect balance between sugar and acidity, and when this happens, these wines can last for decades. In our experiment, we will provide insight into how to pair these wines with food.
WineMasters Class:
Oregon & Washington EP: 30/48
Oregon and Washington are divided by the great Colombia river and it’s this river and its tributaries that provide many ideal locations to plant vines. Oregon is best known for Pinot Noir, while Washington is harder to pin down to just one variety, as it produces quality wines from many, mostly French, grapes.
In our experiment, we’ll talk about canopy management.
WineMasters Class VI
Episodes 31 – 36:
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Sicily
• South Africa
• New York, Virginia & Texas
• Burgundy White
• Priorat & Penedès
Hosts of these episodes are:
Christy Canterbury MW
Marc Almert, Best Sommelier of the World 2019
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WineMasters Class:
Languedoc-Roussillon EP:31/48
The Languedoc and Roussillon are two wine regions in the deep south of France, from Narbonne to the Spanish border, and create affordable easy-drinking wines. Both regions are known for their red wines made of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault in different percentages, according to the specific appellation rules.
We’ll also investigate some common wine faults in our experiment. How you can detect them and are they fixable?
WineMasters Class:
Sicily EP:32/48
Sicilian wines were already praised in ancient times. In the 1980s a few producers began planting mostly French varieties and some of the wines were extremely well made. In the 1990s, many producers returned their focus to the island’s native varieties like the white grapes Grillo & Catarrato, & the red grapes Frappato & Nerello Mascalese. In short, Sicilian wines are being awarded again for their quality wines as well as their uniqueness.
In our experiment, we’ll discuss the different methods of sorting grapes and what effect it has on the final wine.
WineMasters Class:
South Africa EP:33/48
South Africa is the 8th among the largest wine-producing country in the world. In recent years over 40% of the vineyards were replanted moving from volume production to more quality wines. Noble varieties which have been cultivated increasingly in the past few years include Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, which produce top-class white wines.
We take a look at South Africa and focus on where Chenin Blanc and Pinotage fit in amongst a myriad of grape varieties.
In our experiment, we’ll speak about different wine packages, from bottles to cans and what effect they can have on the wine. We’d like to recommend you try all the different varietal wines from South Africa.
WineMasters Class:
New York, Virginia & Texas EP:34/48
In this episode, we’ll be taking you from New York’s Finger Lakes vineyards known for their Rieslings to Virginia, where the French Viognier is a specialty. We’ll end our trip in the central and southern state of Texas, known for its spicy red wines from southern European varieties, like Tempranillo. Of course, we can’t go without mentioning hybrid grapes as well that were created in several breeding programs.
In our experiment, we’ll demonstrate how crosses and hybrids are made and we show the grafting of American rootstock on European varieties and saved the wine industry.
WineMasters Class:
Burgundy White EP:35/48
Half of the vineyards in Burgundy are planted with Chardonnay and the grape produces some of the most sensational age-worthy white wines in the world. Burgundy is divided into 5 primary wine-growing areas of which Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais are important for white wine production. In our experiment, we will explain the wine process of malolactic fermentation.
We recommend trying wines from all the subregions. And although this region comes with a price tag and the Grand Cru wines are some of the most expensive in the world, the overall quality of the wines is very high. So, try village wines from de Côte de Beaune or Chablis and look out for more affordable regions like Rully or Pouilly Fuissé.
WineMasters Class
Priorat & Penedès EP:36/48
The two best-known wine regions of Catalunya are Penedès and Priorat. Penedes has been considered one of the country's best wine-producing regions after the Rioja, and it is also one of the most ancient viticultural areas in Europe. It’s maybe best known for producing the sparkling wine Cava, but the different microclimates in Penedès make it possible to create a wide range of styles of many different grape varieties.
Priorat is a small mountainous wine region and is known for its full-bodied red wines from old vine Garnacha and Cariñena aka Carignan. The vines grow on very steep slopes which consist of red slate with small bits of mica and is called Llicorella and it helps to reflect and conserve the heat.
In our experiment we’ll discuss climate change and its effect on vines. Will we still drink the same varieties from these regions in the future?
WineMasters Class VII
Episodes 37 – 42:
• Beaujolais
• Jura & Savoie
• Rueda
• Australia
• New New World
• Piemonte
Hosts of these episodes are:
• Sarah Heller MW
• Paz Levinson, Best Sommelier of the Americas 2015
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Beaujolais EP:37/48
Beaujolais is synonymous with red wine and it’s one of the few regions in the world focused on a single grape variety, Gamay. To this day the whole region is still burdened by the widespread belief that Beaujolais only produces cheap and cheerful red wines. But the best wines from the 10 Crus prove Gamay’s high-quality potential and some wine experts even say these wines can rival the Pinot Noir of Burgundy.
In our experiment, we will explain the winemaking technique of carbonic maceration.
WineMasters Class
Jura and Savoie EP:38/48
We are taking you to two wine regions you might never have heard of. The Jura and Savoie are wine regions that are located in the east of France towards the Alps. Both are known for their indigenous grape varieties, like Savagnin, Poulsard and Trousseau in the Jura, and Jacquère, Altesse and Mondeuse in Savoie. Although these wines are sometimes difficult to find outside France, a new generation is taking things a bit more globally.
In our experiment, we highlighted one of the most famous and age-worthy wines of the world: Vin Jaune. It has some similarities with Sherry, but how is this wine really made?
WineMasters Class
Rueda EP:39/48
When you think of Spain and wine, you probably think of red wine. But Rueda is specialized in white wines made mainly from the Verdejo grape. The advantage of the region’s high altitude, its extreme climate and well-drained soils, Rueda is an ideal place to grow Verdejo. Traditionally Verdejo was used to making sherry-like fortified wines, now fresh, lively white wines are mostly made here, and different aging methods result in wines that can be laid down for years.
In our experiment, we discuss storing and aging wine in concrete eggs.
WineMasters Class
Australia EP:40/48
Did you know that Australia is home to some of the oldest vines in the world? The Barossa Valley is a quite isolated place and phylloxera hasn’t yet infected vineyard soils here. It’s here where you can find the country’s signature grape Shiraz, Australia’s word for Syrah.
Wine is produced in every state, with more than 60 designated wine regions. We will discuss a handful of key regions, mainly in the southern, cooler parts of the country, and their main varieties.
In our experiment will we’ll demonstrate different vine training systems.
WineMasters Class
New New World EP:41/48
In this episode we’ll discover the new frontiers of viticulture. We’ll visit Japan, which was the first Asian country to develop a grape wine culture, and of course China, which has become a major producer and will become a bigger player in future. We’ll also visit regions further north like England, where climates that were previously too cold to grow wine grapes are becoming better suited for viticulture, thanks to hybrid varieties and of course climate change.
In our experiment we discuss and explore the wine term yield.
WineMasters Class
Piemonte EP:42/48
Piemonte is nestled in the Alpine foothills and produces some of the highest ranked wines in the world. In this hilly region, vineyards are planted on the many slopes that can vary in altitude from 150 up to 700 meters. The range of elevations and exposures creates a range of sites that can suit different indigenous grape varieties, like Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. We’ll visit some of the most famous vineyards of Italy, like Barolo, and Asti.
In our experiment we explore sulfites, what are sulfites and why are they used?
WineMasters Class VIII
Episodes 43 – 48:
Sparkling Wines
Ribera del Duero
Southwest France & Corsica
Canada
Bourgogne Red
Wine At home
Hosts of these episodes are:
Sarah Heller, MW
Fredrik Lindfors, Best Sommelier of the Nordics 2017
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Sparkling Wines EP:43/48
Sparkling wines might be some of the most technical wines in the world, since you need 2 fermentations, one to make the wine, the other to make the bubbles. And there are different ways to make sparkling wine. We’ll highlight the following methods: the traditional method, the transfer method, the Charmat or tank method, and the ancestral method and explain their differences.
Just for fun, we’ll even explore the cheapest way to make a sparkling, made with carbonation in our experiment.
WineMasters Class
Ribera del Duero EP:44/48
Tempranillo does not only flourish in Rioja. The Spanish wine region Ribera del Duero is known for producing some of Spain's most admired red wines from this grape, together with several Bordeaux grape varieties. Ribera del Duero has an extreme continental climate and most of the vineyards can be found up to 950 meters above sea level. Thanks to the altitude, cool nights help maintain the grapes’ freshness and acidity and extend the ripening process.
In our experiment we’ll discuss the extreme diurnal shifts. We’ll explain what those are exactly and how they affect the vines and the final product, the wine.
WineMasters Class
South West France & Corsica EP:45/48
The southwestern part of France and the island of Corsica are very popular tourist destinations, but their wines aren’t so well known. They are treasure troves of undiscovered appellations and little-known grapes. Like Côt in Cahors, Fer Servadou, also known as Braucol, grows mostly in the appellations of Marcillac and Gaillac. In Corsica the most known varieties are Italian, but have local names, like Nielluccio is Sangiovese and Sciacerrello is Mammolo.
In our experiment we try to master the art of blending.
WineMasters Class
Canada EP:46/48
Historically, Canada is mostly famous for some of the most delicious ice wines in the world. Because of the cold climate, hardy hybrid grapes have been dominant, but now more and more vinifera grape varieties are being planted successfully. And with climate change being an ever-greater factor in the wine world, within the next 20- or 30-years, Canada as a cool climate country could potentially take center stage. We’ll discuss the most known hybrid and vinifera varieties and explore this wine country on the rise.
In our experiment it's all about snow.
WineMasters Class
Bourgogne Red EP:47/48
After the episode on the white wines of Burgundy, we’ll now take you on a trip through the Côte d’Or to find some of the best red wines in the world. These wines are made of Pinot Noir, an ancient native grape variety. The grape is only a few generations removed from the wild vines that grew naturally in the area. We’ll explain the importance of terroir and the classification levels, including an overview of the Premier and Grand Crus.
In our experiment we dive deeper into soils.
WineMasters Class
Wine At Home EP:48/48
This episode is very different from all the others. Now that we covered the most important wine regions in the world, exploring new places and the classics, we would like to help you further on your way to developing your own ideas about wine. You’ll learn how to choose wines from a wine list, pair wines with food and get tips on how to store your wines, serve them and even create your own collection. And of course, we’ll discuss wine ratings.
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